News Broadcasting
American funded Arab TV network under scanner for financial irregularities
MUMBAI: Al-Hurra, the Arabic language satellite television network set up by the US administration to promote “freedom and democracy” in the Middle East, will be investigated for possible irregularities.
Media reports indicate that Al-Hurra’s programming has come to reflect the preponderance of Lebanese on the staff, rather than projecting a pan-Arab outlook. In a related piece of news, Kenneth Tomlinson, who is the chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors that oversees most US government broadcasts to foreign countries, is the subject of an inquiry into accusations of misuse of federal money and the use of phantom or unqualified employees.
The board, whose members include the secretary of state Condoleezza Rice, supervises the government’s foreign broadcasting operations including the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe. Al hurra was set up by the Board of Governors, and is being examined by the US inspector general for possible problematic procurement practices.
Media reports state that accusations against Tomlinson involved spending federal money for personal purposes, using Broadcasting Board of Governors money for corporation activities, using board employees to do corporation work and hiring ghost employees or poorly qualified employees.
Al-Hurra has got nearly $50 million in financing and was set up to compete with Al Jazeera and other Arab news stations. Unfortunately it is now being seen as being a mouthpiece for the US government, indicate media reports.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
